Tyne Valley company building energy efficient mini homes

Matt Darrach and his crew have built eight energy efficient mini homes since April of this year, and have plans to build a net-zero, self-sufficient homes next year.

Matt Darrach decided this year to build mini homes that will be easier on the wallet when it comes to utility costs.

He launched P.E.I. Low Energy Homes and so far has built eight houses since April. He has no plans of slowing down.

The houses have no thermal bridges; this means there are no areas that have higher heat, or cold transfer than others. Not having a thermal bridge increases energy efficiency and discourages condensation, which causes low air quality and other problems.

His houses also use twice as much insulation as a standard home, in place of the bridge. The additional insulation is a trend throughout the home, in the walls, floor and roof.

Darrach also ensures the homes are airtight, six times more airtight than a traditional house, he said.

A Venmar air exchange system circulates the air often, which helps to reduce humidity.

“The houses we build get eight full air changes of fresh air per day,” said Darrach. “That's one every three hours,” he added.

The homes are entirely customizable, added.

“Whatever the customer wants, they’ll get it.”

Either built on site or delivered to a lot, an average 1,088 sq. ft. mini home, three-bedroom two bath costs roughly $95,000.

Maintenance for for these homes are lower than a standard home, said Darrach.

The steel roof will last upwards of 40 years, and the windows have a lifetime warranty.

Next year, he hopes to build a home with no utility bill at all.

Long-term, Darrach plans expand his company to sell self-sufficient, net-zero homes for $100,000, with appliances.

“I just want to build houses better.”

Darrach’s company, P.E.I Low Energy Homes, is located in Tyne Valley and can be contacted through Facebook.